Jane Jacobs: The neighborhood champion

Jane Jacobs has had a profound affect on urban planning. In her best known book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities, Jacobs stands up for established, urban neighborhood and defends its authenticity and benefits in a world that was shifting towards suburbs, highways and strip malls. She believed that places like Greenwich Village in New York City were perfect examples of how neighborhoods are effective, safe, interesting environments to live in. People work and play where they live. They don't have to rely on cars to get around. There are always eyes on the streets which provides safety and security. Office, retail, residential, civic and light industry are intertwined, not separated like in the suburbs. Because of this, there are always people out and about making the neighborhood streets vibrant and useful, creating interest and opportunities for social interaction.

Mrs. Jacobs fought against urban renewal while fighting for the existing, living, breathing, diverse neighborhoods that brought families and communities together. She had the foresight to see the detriment that tearing up these neighborhoods to build expressways to the suburbs would create.

Stephen Goldsmith, founder of Artspace and former Salt Lake City planning director, and member of this Granary District group, is hosting his own "Jane Walk" this Saturday through the 15th East 15th South neighborhood with a book reading to follow. More details about the event here.

I am very excited for this opportunity to learn more about the benefits of well integrated neighborhoods from Mr. Goldsmith and Mrs. Jacobs, via Mr. Goldsmith. I encourage everyone to come support the legacy of Jane Jacobs and learn about urban planning and how we can implement the best practices as we move forward with neighborhooding The Granary District. Hope to see you there!